[[Image:Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game logo.png|frame]]'''The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game''' (abbreviated to LotR SBG or LOTRSBG) is a tabletop miniature wargame produced by [[Games Workshop]] and released in [[2001]]. It is based on [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]] directed by [[Peter Jackson]] and [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''.

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[[Image:Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game logo.png|frame]]'''The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game''' (abbreviated to LotR SBG or LOTRSBG) is a tabletop miniature wargame produced by [[Games Workshop]]. It is based on ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy]]'' directed by [[Peter Jackson]], and [[The Lord of the Rings|the book that inspired it]], written by [[J.R.R. Tolkien]].

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==Development==

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===Background===

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The game was initially released in [[2001]] to coincide in with the movie ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. New box sets with updated rules were also released for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' movies. Later, beginning with the ''[[LOTRSBG: Shadow and Flame|Shadow and Flame]]'' supplement, Games Workshop began to add content that was featured in the original book but not in the film adaptations: eg. [[Tom Bombadil]], [[Radagast]] and [[Glorfindel]]. Games Workshop has also expanded its license with original material on areas such as [[Harad]] and [[Khand]], with mixed reactions. The most recent complete edition of the rules, often called ''[[LOTRSBG: Rulebook|The One Rulebook to Rule them All]]'', was released by Games Workshop in September 2005, while a compact edition entitled ''[[LOTRSBG: The Mines of Moria (book)|The Mines of Moria]]'' was also released.

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In the 1980s, Games Workshop produced a range of miniatures for ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', using original character designs based on fantasy art popular of the time.<ref name=Citadel>[http://realmofzhu.blogspot.com/2010/05/1980s-citadel-lord-of-rings-white-dwarf.html 1980s Citadel Lord of the Rings/White Dwarf Index] at [http://realmofzhu.blogspot.com/ Realm of Zhu] (accessed 18 September 2011)</ref> This was the first range of Lord of the Rings miniatures that Citadel created, taking over from [[Grenadier Models Inc.|Grenadier Miniatures]] in 1985, before the license passed to [[Mithril Miniatures]] around 1987. The earliest releases were semi-solid base, having a small solid base; later releases were slot based.

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===Release===

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The game was initially released in [[2001]] to coincide in with the film ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]''. New box sets with updated rules were also released for ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' films. Later, beginning with the ''[[Shadow and Flame|Shadow & Flame]]'' supplement, Games Workshop began to add content that was featured in the original book but not in the film adaptations: eg. [[Tom Bombadil]], [[Radagast]] and [[Glorfindel]]. Games Workshop has also expanded its license with original material on areas such as [[Harad]] and [[Khand]], with mixed reactions. The most recent complete edition of the rules, ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game: Rulebook]]'', was released by Games Workshop in September 2005, while a compact edition of the rules came with the ''[[Mines of Moria (2005 boxed set)|Mines of Moria Boxed Set]]''.

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In early [[2009]] Games Workshop also released an expansion to the original game called ''[[LOTRSBG: War of the Ring|War of the Ring]]'' which, according to the company, allows players to emulate the large battles included in [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' by streamlining the game system.<ref name="War of the Ring">{{cite web | title=War of the Ring |work=War of the Ring | url=http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/content/article.jsp?categoryId=cat1430039&aId=12800026 | accessdate=2009-08-19}}</ref>This expansion differs from the main game in a several ways. Firstly War of the Ring uses a larger number of models but the models are placed on movement trays with two cavalry models or eight infantry models on each. This allows for much easier and quicker movement of large numbers of models at once. These are called "companies". Larger creatures such as [[Ents]] and [[Trolls]] are treated as separate models and do not use movement trays. Combat within the game is also treated differently. In the original game players both roll dice to determine who wins the fight and then the victor rolls to see how much damage is done. In War of the Ring only dice to determine damage are rolled. Also in War of the Ring heroes are treated more like upgrades for their company rather than individual models like in Strategy Battle Game.

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In early [[2009]] Games Workshop also released an expansion to the original game called ''[[War of the Ring (2009 book)|War of the Ring]]'' which, according to the company, allows players to emulate the large battles included in [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' by streamlining the game system.

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In addition to gaming, The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game includes other common elements of the miniature wargaming hobby. These include the collecting, painting and conversion of miniature figures used in play, as well as the modeling of gaming terrain from scratch. These aspects of the hobby are covered in Games Workshop's monthly ''[[White Dwarf]]'' and on various gaming websites, as well as formerly in the fortnightly ''[[Battle Games in Middle-earth]]''.

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In addition to gaming, The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game includes other common elements of the miniature wargaming hobby. These include the collecting, painting and conversion of miniature figures used in play, as well as the modelling of gaming terrain from scratch. These aspects of the hobby are covered in Games Workshop's monthly ''[[White Dwarf]]'', as well as formerly in the fortnightly ''[[Battle Games in Middle-earth]]''.

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==Development==

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===Background===

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In the 1980s, Games Workshop produced a range of miniatures for ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'', using original character designs based on fantasy art popular of the time. This was the first range of Lord of the Rings miniatures that Citadel created, taking over from [[Grenadier Miniatures]] in 1985, before the license passed to [[Mithril Miniatures]] around 1987.<ref name="Solegends">{{cite web | title=The Lord of the Rings |work=The Stuff of Legends | url=http://www.solegends.com/citlotr/index.htm | accessdate=2009-07-22 }}</ref> The earliest releases were semi-solid base, having a small solid base; later releases were slot based.<ref name ="Solegends"/>

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===Current licensing===

===Current licensing===

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The current Lord of the Rings range stems from Games Workshop's rights from [[Middle-earth Enterprises]] to produce a skirmish war game based on the films, and also on ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' and ''[[The Hobbit]]'' books, in the 25mm miniature scale.<ref>"Note that these figures are 25 mm and not the 28 mm figures that are more popular today"; [http://www.io.com/~beckerdo/minis/mini28/LotRMoria/ Painting the Lord of the Rings Mines of Moria Game''], as of 2007-07-17.</ref> (The rights to produce a role playing game version of the films were sold to another firm, [[Decipher, Inc.]]) They also have the rights to produce a [[Battle of Five Armies]] game called "[[The Hobbit: Strategy Battle Game]]", using smaller miniatures to enact larger battles (more akin to the ''[[Warmaster]]'' system).<ref>[http://uk.games-workshop.com/storefront/store.uk?do=Individual&code=60011699001&orignav=9 Games Workshop Online Store 2005-12-16], as of 2007-06-16.</ref> Under this separate licence, <!-- the rights to the 25mm scale normally used were already owned by another company,{{Fact|date=July 2008}}--> the game was done using a 10&nbsp;mm scale for the normal warriors, and a larger "heroic" scale for the named characters.

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The current Lord of the Rings range stems from Games Workshop's rights from [[Middle-earth Enterprises]] to produce a skirmish war game based on the films, and also on ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' and ''[[The Hobbit]]'' books, in the 25mm miniature scale.<ref group=note>Note that these figures are 25 mm and not the 28 mm figures that are more popular today ([http://www.io.com/~beckerdo/minis/mini28/LotRMoria/ Painting the Lord of the Rings Mines of Moria Game''], accessed 17 July 2007).</ref> (The rights to produce a role playing game version of the films were sold to another firm, [[Decipher, Inc.]]) They also have the rights to produce a board game based on The Hobbt, called ''[[The Battle of Five Armies (2005 board game)|The Battle of Five Armies]]'', using smaller miniatures to enact larger battles.<ref>[http://uk.games-workshop.com/storefront/store.uk?do=Individual&code=60011699001&orignav=9 Games Workshop Online Store (16 December 2005)] (accessed 16 June 2007)</ref>

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Games Workshop has not acquired the rights to ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', which is still the exclusive property of the [[Tolkien Estate]], but has the right to develop its own derivative intellectual property to fill in the gaps in Tolkien's [[legendarium]]. This is particularly true of [[Harad]], which has a range of invented places (such as "Kârna", "Badharkân", "Hidâr", "Nâfarat", "Abrakân", and "Dhâran-sar"<ref name="BOPF">''The Battle of the Pelennor Fields Supplement''</ref>) and characters (such as the Hasharin<ref name="BOPF"/> and "Dalamyr, Fleetmaster of Umbar"<ref name="LOME">''Legions of Middle-earth''</ref>).

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===Designers and Peter Jackson===

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Four of the game's designers were in the extended [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|Return of the King film]] as Rohirrim at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]: Alessio Cavatore, Brian Nelson, [[Alan and Michael Perry]].<ref>[http://www.perry-miniatures.com/index2.html Perry Miniatures]. As of 2007-06-18.</ref> They can be seen near the [[Oliphaunt]] when [[Peregrin Took]] goes searching for [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] among the debris from the battle, and are also on the base of Games Workshop's Mûmak miniature.<ref>[http://uk.games-workshop.com/harad/painting-mumak/1/ Painting a Mûmak (Games Workshop)]. As of 2007-06-18.</ref> Games Workshop created two miniatures of [[Peter Jackson]], based on his appearance as a Hobbit during the ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship of the Ring]]'':<ref name="PJ Hobbit"> [http://www.theargonath.cc/stuff/fotrobservation100.jpg Peter Jackson], as a Hobbit in [[Bree]].</ref> one is owned by the director, and the other is kept on display at Warhammer World in England.<ref name="PJ model">''UK [[White Dwarf (magazine)|White Dwarf]] 265''</ref> Games Workshop has also released a model of Peter Jackson as one of the [[Corsairs of Umbar]] from ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]''.

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==The Hobby==

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===Collecting===

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[[Image:GondorianKnights.jpg|thumb|left|A boxed set of [[Gondor]]ian [[Knights]].]]

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Similar to [[Warhammer Fantasy Battle]] players, Lord of the Rings players commonly collect and paint one army (or more) of their choice and find opponents (with similarly collected armies) to play against.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Lord of the Rings Army building articles | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/thelordoftherings/army-building/ | accessdate = 2007-06-16 }}</ref> Armies can be built up from through the purchase of boxed sets (usually having 20 or 24 plastic miniatures in each) or "blister packs" (usually containing no more than three finely detailed metal miniatures) to build up a reasonable sized fighting force. Others simply collect the miniatures because they like the way they look. One popular way of collecting was through ''[[Battle Games in Middle-earth]]'' — a [[De Agostini]] magazine that came with one or more free miniatures (some of which were initially exclusive to the publication) and contained detailed hobby guides.<ref>{{cite web | title = Battle Games in Middle-earth | work = Website | publisher = DeAgostini | url = http://www.deagostini.co.uk/lordoftherings/ | accessdate = 2007-07-03 }}</ref>

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As such, there are a wide variety of miniatures in the ever-growing range, including promotional miniatures, such as "[[LOTRSBG: Gimli on Dead Uruk-hai|Gimli on Dead Uruk-hai]]". Games Workshop began to discontinue some of their metal miniatures, so that they could replace them with plastic miniatures. However, there was much complaint when they retired the popular "[[LOTRSBG: Boromir Captain of the White Tower|Boromir Captain of the White Tower]]" miniature, and it was later brought back into production.<ref>[http://uk.games-workshop.com/storefront/store.uk?do=Individual&code=9947146404801&orignav=9 Boromir, Captain of the White Tower], as of 2007-07-03.</ref>

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There are a large number of differences from Warhammer in The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game, which makes it unique and more realistic, accounting for its popularity as Games Workshop's third core system.

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===Modelling===

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[[Image:GrimhelmConversion.jpg|right|thumb|Mixing parts from different models is a popular method of conversion (a converted [[Maeglin]] miniature [http://www.one-ring.co.uk/phpBB2/album_personal.php?user_id=2316]).]]

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Since the models are hand-painted and assembled by the player, players are often encouraged to design their own paint schemes,such as colouring them differently and so on, as well as using the pre-designed ones displayed in the various books. They are also encouraged to further modify their miniatures using parts from other kits and models (known as "Bitz" to players), modeling putty, or whatever the modeler can scrounge up.<ref>[http://uk.games-workshop.com/thelordoftherings/modelling/ The Lord of the Rings Modeling articles], as of 2007-06-16.</ref> These ''conversions'' are often entered into contests at sponsored tournaments and similar gaming events, such as the [[Golden Demon]] or the [http://www.one-ring.co.uk/phpBB2/comp.php?mode=cat One Ring Awards].

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Terrain is a very important part of play.<ref>''Mines of Moria, p 8</ref> Though Games Workshop makes terrain kits available, many hobbyists prefer to make their own elaborate and unique set pieces. Common household items and hobby materials such as balsa wood, cardboard, and polystyrene can be transformed into ruins from the Second Age, woodland terrain, or the rocky wild of [[Middle-earth]] with the addition of plasticard, putty, and a bit of patience and skill.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Lord of the Rings Terrain articles | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/thelordoftherings/terrain/ | accessdate = 2007-06-16 }}</ref>

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Dioramas, often depicting scenes from the film and books, bring terrain and conversion skills together.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Lord of the Rings Diorama articles | work = Article Library | publisher = The One Ring | url = http://www.one-ring.co.uk/phpBB2/kb.php?mode=cat&cat=22 | accessdate = 2007-06-16 }}</ref> However, due to the licensing agreements between [[New Line Cinema]] and [[Games Workshop]], pieces of models for the Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game are not allowed to be combined with other model lines for official tournaments or conversion awards.<ref name="GDCG">{{cite web | title = Golden Demon Competitor's Guidelines | work = Competition Rules | publisher = Games Workshop | url =http://uk.games-workshop.com/goldendemon/competitors-guidelines/1/ | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref> The same is true for pieces from other manufacturers.<ref name="GDCG"/>

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==Current state of play==

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===Overview of Rulesets===

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[[Image:ShadowAndFlame.jpg|thumb|The ''[[LOTRSBG: Shadow and Flame|Shadow and Flame Supplement]]'' - the first Games Workshop supplement to feature content that was not in the films.]]

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The rules for Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game are in their fourth edition. The first three editions of the rulebooks were released with the [[Lord of the Rings (movie trilogy)|Lord of the Rings films]], but Games Workshop used the magazine ''[[White Dwarf]]'' and various supplements to "go beyond what is presented in the films of The Lord of the Rings and delve into the rich material of J. R. R. Tolkien's books."<ref name=Supplements>Alessio Cavatore, ''Shadow and Flame'', page 3 (2003).</ref> The current edition, ''[[LOTRSBG: Rulebook|The One Rulebook to Rule them All]]'', contains the entire set of rules updated and presented in a single large volume, including those of previous supplements. The three older editions are to be re-released in updated supplements, while the compact ''Mines of Moria'' edition contains the updated rules only for what was shown in the films.

In addition to the official rulesets, Games Workshop has also encouraged the writing of unofficial "[[house rules]]" by wargamers.<ref name="house rules">{{cite web | title = Games Workshop Intellectual Property | date = 2005-11-12 | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/legal/canandcant/1/ | accessdate = 2007-06-16 }}:<br>"''We encourage fellow hobbyists to invent rules that work for them. There is no need to stick precisely to the published rules. However, if you are thinking about making your own Codex'' [eg.] ''for your Space Marine chapter (in addition to following the other guidelines in this policy), please avoid making it look official as this may confuse gamers and amount to a challenge to our trademarks. Also, do not copy our official publications or documents.''"</ref> As such, there have been a number of unofficial fan supplements and other supplementary material on the internet; the most notable of which was ''The Age of the King'', made by ''The One Ring''.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Age of the King | work = Unofficial Rules Supplement | publisher = The One Ring | date = | url = http://www.one-ring.co.uk/index.php?page=79 | accessdate = 2007-07-02 }}</ref> Although some of its subject matter was later covered by official rulesets,<ref>Compare with Games Workshop's ''A Shadow in the East Supplement''</ref> it is still considered "the benchmark against which all others are measured".<ref>{{cite web | title = How to Write Supplements | work = Forum Sticky Topic | author = Dagorlad (Alan Harrison) | publisher = The One Ring | date = 2005-06-20 | url = http://www.one-ring.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4295 | accessdate = 2007-07-19 }}</ref> In many cases, supplements are written for areas where Games Workshop's licence does not extend, such as ''[[The Silmarillion]]''.<ref name="GondolinSupplements">Supplements have been made depicting the Fall of [[Gondolin]], [http://www.freewebs.com/fogsupplement/] [http://www.freewebs.com/fallofgondolin/] based on ''[[The Silmarillion]]'' and ''[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2|The Book of Lost Tales]]'' respectively, as well as about the [[Kinslaying at Alqualondë|Kinslaying]] at [[Alqualondë]] and the [[War of Wrath]]. [http://www.setbb.com/cheeseweb/]</ref>

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[[Image:Legions of Middle Earth.jpg|thumb|''[[LOTRSBG: Legions of Middle-earth|Legions of Middle-earth]]'' - an army building book.]]

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====Legions of Middle-earth====

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In 2006, Games Workshop released the new expansion entitled "''Legions of Middle-earth''", centering around theming and army building.<ref name="LOMEReview">{{cite web | title = Legions of Middle Earth Book Review | work = Review | publisher = Area 52 | author = Craig Woodfield | url = http://www.area52.com.au/articles/ttg/legions_middle_earth.htm | accessdate = 2007-07-18 }}</ref> It is not a supplement or rulebook, as it contains no rules; instead, it provides army lists for players to theme their forces around, and scenarios which are designed to work in conjunction with them. However, Games Workshop also released supplement summaries online in conjunction with ''Legions of Middle-earth'', so effectively a player only requires ''Legions of Middle-earth'' and the main Rulebook in order to use the rules of the supplements.<ref>{{cite web | title = Profiles of Middle-earth | work = Rules Summary | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/legionsofmiddleearth/reference/1/ | accessdate = 2007-07-03 }}</ref><ref>With the exception that the summaries do give access to a model's basic wargear, available "Magic" or the Movement rate.</ref> According to one review, the army lists would transform the game "from what has essentially been a scenario-based game that appealed mostly to collectors to a genuine tournament-compatible game system," although in this it "could have been a little bit more restrictive."<ref name="LOMEReview"/> Interestingly, some of the miniatures for the point values listed have not yet been released; in this way, the book was not to become obsolete with future releases for some time.

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====Variants and Derived Games====

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''[[All at Sea]]'' is an adaptation of the rules for naval conflicts. The official rules were a modified version of the [[Warhammer Fantasy Battles|Warhammer]] Boat rules, adapted by Nick Davis and first presented in Games Workshop's [[White Dwarf magazine]] (''US issue 295'').<ref name="NavalRules">{{cite web | author = Nick Davis | title = All At Sea Part One | work = Ruleset | publisher = White Dwarf | date = | url = http://www.alt-world.com/alt-world/LOTR/undersail.htm | accessdate = 2007-06-14 }}</ref> The game's mechanics centred around [[Boarding (attack)|boarding parties]], with options for [[naval ram|ramming actions]] and [[naval artillery]] in the form of [[ballista]]e and other [[siege engine]]s.<ref name="NavalRules"/> Model ships are built by hobbyists, just as normal miniature terrain, such as "[[carrack|great ships]]" of [[Pelargir]], [[cog (ship)|cogs]] of [[Dol Amroth]] and [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsair]] [[Galleys#The Galleas warship|galleys]].<ref name="Pelargir">{{cite web | title = The Ports of Pelargir | work = Website | date = | url = http://www.freewebs.com/portsofpelargir | accessdate = 2007-06-14 }}</ref>

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===Game Systems===

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The standard game is played with two or more armies on a board generally 4 feet long and 4 feet wide (48 inches or 120 centimetres), usually deployed within 6&nbsp;inches of opposite board edges.<ref>For example, see ''The Battle of the Pelennor Fields'', p 34-35</ref> Similar to Warhammer Fantasy, the game uses a "points-system" to assign values to each miniature, allowing players to ensure that their armies are evenly matched. The game is primarily a skirmish game, but can be played in varying scale:

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*Scenario - These are based on an event in the book or film, and the armies are predetermined and fought using Special Scenario-specific Rules.<ref>''Mines of Moria'', p 70-75</ref>

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*Points Match - These are played between two forces of equal size, generally of 500 Points each (which is usually no more than 50 miniatures per side).<ref name="Mines of Moria, p 74">''Mines of Moria'', p 74</ref>

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*War Party - This is a stricter form of the Points Match, using forces of no more than 250 Points.<ref>{{cite web | title = War Party | work = Rules | publisher = Games Workshop | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/thelordoftherings/war-party/1/ | accessdate = 2007-07-03 }}</ref>

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*Battle Company - This is an experience-based system which is played out with no more than 25 miniatures.<ref>{{cite web | title = Battle Companies | work = Rules | publisher = Games Workshop | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/thelordoftherings/battle-companies/1/ | accessdate = 2007-07-03 }}</ref>

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The Turn system game is played using four phases:

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*Priority Phase - The players roll dice to see who gets to take their Turn first.<ref name="MoM13">''The Lord of The Rings Strategy Battle Game: The Mines of Moria'', p 13</ref>

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*Move Phase - The players move their miniatures (to a maximum distance that is usually 6&nbsp;inches).<ref name="MoM13"/> "Magic" (''eg.'' "Compel") is also used during this phase.

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*Shoot Phase - Missile-armed miniatures can shoot.<ref name="MoM13"/>

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*Fight Phase - Dice are rolled for each group of miniatures in base contact with each other to see which wins the combat.<ref name="MoM13"/>

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While the game is designed usually for play by only two players (as the force lists are divided into "Good" and "Evil"),<ref name="Mines of Moria, p 74"/> very large battles (generally with more than 100 models each side) become easier to manage with more than one person working together on a team.

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===Products===

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====Books and magazines====

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*[[2001]]: ''[[LOTRSBG: The Fellowship of the Ring|Fellowship of the Ring Rulebook]]''

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*[[2002]]: ''[[LOTRSBG: The Two Towers|The Two Towers Rulebook]]''

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*[[2003]]: ''[[LOTRSBG: The Return of the King|The Return of the King Rulebook]]''

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*[[2003]]: ''[[LOTRSBG: Shadow and Flame|Shadow and Flame]]''

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*[[2004]]: ''[[LOTRSBG: The Return of the King (White Dwarf)|The Return of the King: The Best of White Dwarf Magazine]]''

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*[[2004]]: ''[[LOTRSBG: Siege of Gondor|Siege of Gondor]]''

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*[[2004]]: ''[[LOTRSBG: The Battle of the Pelennor Fields|The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]''

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*[[2004]]: ''[[LOTRSBG: The Scouring of the Shire|The Scouring of the Shire]]''

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*200?: ''[[LOTRSBG: A Shadow in the East|A Shadow in the East]]''

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*200?: ''[[LOTRSBG: The Fall of the Necromancer|The Fall of the Necromancer]]''

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*200?: ''[[LOTRSBG: The Ruin of Arnor|The Ruin of Arnor]]''

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*200?: ''[[LOTRSBG: Khazad-Dûm|Khazad-Dûm]]''

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*200?: ''[[LOTRSBG: Gondor in Flames|Gondor in Flames]]''

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*200?: ''[[LOTRSBG: Harad|Harad]]''

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*[[2005]]: ''[[LOTRSBG: The Mines of Moria (book)|The Mines of Moria]]''

*[[2010]]: ''[[LOTRSBG: War of the Ring - Battlehosts|War of the Ring - Battlehosts]]''

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==Troop Types==

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<!--For readability, please try to keep no more than one external link per each army where possible. -Grimhelm -->

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There are two types of troops: Warriors and Heroes.<ref>''The Two Towers'', p 11 & 42</ref> Heroes have characteristics which set them apart from the Warriors they lead, and can be named or unnamed characters: [[Aragorn]], [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]], Captains, etc. Warriors are the core of the army: Warriors of Harad, Riders of Rohan, Men of Gondor, etc. Each army must be either Good or Evil, and can only include miniatures from that side (each model is named in the rules as being either Good or Evil).

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As [[Tolkien]]'s world is very rich in detail, players generally prefer to base their armies around one of the following themes:

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==="The Free Peoples" (Good)===

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*'''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]''' (Good) - Most scenario-based games require at least one member of the Fellowship. Whilst not a real army, they are effective as a skirmish force, due to their high points-values and limited numbers.<ref>''Mines of Moria'', p 76-81</ref>

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*'''[[Quendi|Elves]]''' (Good) - The Quendi are the oldest of the races of Middle-earth, and the majority of armies are either [[Silvan Elves|Wood Elves]] or [[Calaquendi|High Elves]], often allied with Men of [[Númenor]] from the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men|Last Alliance]]. Individually, Elf Warriors are among the most powerful and bravest of available races, with high Courage and Defence values.<ref name="MOM89">''Mines of Moria'', p 89</ref> Also Elven armies have the best archers in the game, and are also notable for their potent powers of healing and foresight among Heroes such as [[Galadriel]] and [[Elrond]].<ref name="MOM82">''Mines of Moria'', p 82-83</ref> In earlier editions of the rules, Games Workshop kept the two kinds of Elves separate, and although the ''One Rulebook'' merges the two "races", they are most often kept separated into the two main themes:<ref>{{cite web | title = Elves | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/elves/ | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>

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:*'''[[Rivendell|Elven Havens]]''' - The Elves of [[Eriador]] are considered the "High Elves" of the Last Alliance, and are not commonly seen in [[Third Age]] games.<ref>Note that [[Gil-galad]] was omitted from ''The Two Towers'' Rulebook, set in the [[Third Age]].</ref> Their powerful Heroes include [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]], with the latter sometimes used outside the [[Second Age]].

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:*'''[[Lothlórien|Woodland Realms]]''' - Originally, the Wood Elves were limited to a small range of metal miniatures,<ref>''The Two Towers'', p 71 & 78</ref> but with the release of ''The Fall of the Necromancer Supplement'', a boxed set of plastics was released. Wood Elves include the Lothlórien Elves (also known as [[Haldir (Elf of Lórien)|Haldir]]'s Elves) as their elite troops, but the bulk of their armies consist of the Taurdirim of [[Mirkwood]]. These armies can also include the members of the [[White Council]], and [[Ent]]s such as [[Treebeard]].<ref name="WhiteCouncil">{{cite web | title = The White Council | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/thewhitecouncil | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>

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*'''[[Gondor]]''' (Good) - The Kingdom of the White Tree has the widest range of warriors and heroes available. It can be divided into three main themes: [[Minas Tirith]], [[Ithilien]] and [[Fiefdom|the Fiefdoms of Gondor]]. Minas Tirith's key strength is in its armoured infantry, but it also has available mounted knights and the finest siege engines in the game: [[trebuchet]]s and "bolt throwers". Minas Tirith armies often include elements from Ithilien armies, which has accurate archers. The fiefdoms represent three main forces: [[Dol Amroth]], [[Lossarnach]] and [[Lamedon]]. Dol Amroth boasts [[heavy cavalry]] and [[pike]]men(the only such available to Good armies) and courageous warriors, led by [[Imrahil]]. In addition, fiefdom players can also choose to field [[Forlong the Fat]] and [[Angbor|Angbor the Fearless]] alongside their warriors. The fiefdoms usually only combined with Minas Tirith in a [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] theme. A very small number of dedicated players also build their own ships of [[Pelargir]] or Dol Amroth out of wood and other materials.<ref name="Pelargir"/> Gondor is rarely allied with any armies other than Rohan. Some of its less common themes include:<ref>{{cite web | title = Gondor | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/gondor | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>

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**'''[[Númenor]]''' - Númenor is one of the smaller good armies related to Gondor, representing also the [[Princely Houses of the Númenórean Realms-in-Exile|Númenórean Realms in Exile]] (''ie.'' the [[Arnor]] and Gondor of the [[Second Age]]). Whilst it could be considered part of Gondor, it is only really used in Scenarios set in the Second Age (although sometimes its warriors can be used to represent Wardens of Pelargir). Númenor has a relatively limited range of warriors, but they are amongst the best warriors in the game, having access to the mighty heroes [[Isildur]] and [[Elendil]]. However, a note in the rulebook bans Númenórean armies to be used outside Second Age scenarios, so they are rarely seen in battle. Númenor is most frequently used with Elves, in Last Alliance-themed armies.

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**'''[[Dead Men of Dunharrow|Army of the Dead]]''' - Perhaps the smallest Good army available, the Army of the Dead offers only one Hero and one Warrior type and one Cavalry type. They were accidentally omitted from the ''One Rulebook'', so their rules can be downloaded through the Games Workshop website.<ref name="Army of the Dead">Although the [[Dead Men of Dunharrow|Army of the Dead]] Profiles were included in the compact "Mines of Moria" edition of the rules, they were accidentally omitted from the "One Rulebook". Because they were unavailable through what was supposed to have been the defining ruleset, they are available online for download: [http://uk.games-workshop.com/thelordoftherings/armyofthedead/1/]. [[Golfimbul]] had been intentionally replaced with the standard Orc Captain Profile.</ref> They are usually allied with Gondor or [[Dúnedain]], and led by [[Aragorn]] and the King of the Dead for a Pelennor Fields theme.

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[[Image:HornburgLOTRSBG.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Battle of the Hornburg]] ([[Rohan]]).]]

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*'''[[Rohan]]''' (Good) - Armies of the Riddermark tend to focus on [[light cavalry]], which are its core unit (though Rohan infantry are often used in [[Helm's Deep]] scenarios). These are armed with throwing spears, unique to Rohan, bows and shields. Earlier editions of the rules made these especially powerful, but the current edition has balanced the game by increasing the points cost. On the other hand, Rohan still has [[Royal Guard]] and medium heroes such as [[Éomer]] and [[Háma]]; in addition, it has benefited from release of [[Eorl the Young]], and a number of new releases to the Rohan range such as [[Erkenbrand]] were included in the more recent ''The Two Towers Supplement''.<ref>{{cite web | title = Rohan | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/rohan | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>

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*'''[[Dwarf (Middle-earth)|Dwarves]]''' (Good) - Although the Dwarves move an inch slower than the average man-sized warrior (making them easy to outmanoeuvre), their powerful bows and the highest defence in the game can make them a hard opponent. Their elite warriors are the [[Khazad]] Guard, and they have powerful heroes such as [[Gimli]], [[Dáin II Ironfoot|Dáin]] and [[Balin]]. With the ''Khazad-Dûm Supplement'', Vault Wardens, Iron Guard and Dwarf [[Ballista]]e were introduced, along with the tactics such as the "wall", "rock" and "flying axe" formations.<ref>{{cite web | last = Adam Troke | title = Tunnel Fighting Tactics | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/khazaddum/tunnel-fighting/2/ | accessdate = 2007-05-21 }}</ref> They make few alliances, and even then usually only with [[Dale|Men of Dale]].<ref name="Khazddum">{{cite web | title = Dwarves | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/dwarves | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>

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*'''[[Hobbits]]''' (Good) - Armies of the [[Shire]] are more oriented around skirmishes, as points-wise they have the most inexpensive warriors and heroes in the game. Their archers are unmatched by all but the Elves, but their Hobbit militia are the slowest and weakest warriors in the game. Aside from the [[Fellowship of the Ring (characters)|Fellowship of the Ring]], they never ally with other armies because of their fear of the outside world. Their heroes include [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo of the Nine Fingers]] and [[Samwise Gamgee]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Hobbits | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/hobbits | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>

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*'''[[Dúnedain]]'''/'''[[Arnor]]''' (Good) - All Dúnedain and [[Rangers of the North]] are Heroes, making them expensive and rarely used. They are the prime example of an army that was excluded from the films, but was well-adapted by Games Workshop in a way that fit in with both the style of the films and their original mention in the books.<ref name="WD326">''UK [[White Dwarf (magazine)|White Dwarf]] 326''</ref> Their main named Heroes are [[Aragorn]] and [[Halbarad]] Dúnadan, who are often allied with [[Gildor Inglorion]] and the Elves of [[Rivendell]],<ref name="WD326"/> or indirectly with Hobbits in some Scenarios. In the One Rulebook, the Dúnedain are classed in the same section as [[Tom Bombadil]] and [[Goldberry]], though Tom and Goldberry are not allies but Scenario-specific characters from the [[Barrow-downs]]. They were expanded in the most recent supplement, ''[[Ruin of Arnor|The Ruin of Arnor]]'', allowing players to field Arnorian infantry, as well as heroes such as King [[Arvedui]] and [[Malbeth the Seer]].<ref name="WD326"/> Another common theme for the Dúnedain is the [[Grey Company]].<ref name="WD326"/>

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*'''[[Drúedain]]''' (Good) - Whilst the Drúedain are never described in battle, in the book their leader [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]] aids Théoden's army on their way through [[Drúadan Forest]]. They were eventually released alongside the updated "Return of the King" supplement.

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*'''The Wanderers in the Wild''' (Good) - The Wanderers in the wild are individuals that travel Middle-earth, for several purposes, be it exploring or protecting others. They include popular characters such as [[Glorfindel]] and [[Sméagol]], but also characters invented by Games Workshop, like Múrin and Drár. They can ally with most armies. Other related smaller armies include:

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**'''[[Eagles]] of the Misty Mountains''', led by [[Gwaihir]], and usually allied with Gondor or The Elves.

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**'''[[Ents]]''' are similar in that they are expensive, rarely used warriors.

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**The as yet unreleased '''[[Beornings]]''', lead by Grimbeorn, have also been announced in ''Legions of Middle-earth''.

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*'''[[Istari|The Wizards]]''' (Good) - The Wizards represent the [[Istari]] that fought for the Free Peoples during the Third Age. In addition to the more obvious [[Gandalf]] and [[Radagast]], there is also a "good" [[Saruman]] from the time of the [[White Council]]. Radagast usually allies with the Dwarves or the Woodland Realms, while Gandalf usually allies with Rohan, Gondor or the Fellowship.

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==="The Forces of Darkness" (Evil)===

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*'''[[Angmar]]''' (Evil) - The dark land of Angmar is built on the ruins of the Lost Kingdom of [[Arnor]], terrorised by [[Nazgûl]] and Spectres. Its army had no official rules until early 2007, except for the Ringwraiths and [[Barrow-wight]]s (which are nonetheless potent magic-users) and wild [[Warg]]s, lead by Warg chieftains. It never allies with other armies, although Orcs and Goblins are sometimes included in it. Angmar received official rules in ''[[Ruin of Arnor|The Ruin of Arnor]]'' Supplement, including Games Workshop's invented [[Troll (Middle-earth)#Troll types|Hill Troll]] Chieftain "Buhrdûr".<ref name="WD326"/> The earlier rules are still available to use in friendly games on Games Workshop's website.<ref>{{cite web | title = Vassals of the Witchking | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/heraldsofdarkness/witchking-vassals/1/ | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>

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*'''[[Moria]]''' (Evil) - The subterranean realm of [[Khazad-dûm]] was built by the Dwarves, but it was taken by Evil. Now it is infested with [[Goblins]] and [[Cave Trolls]], and more frightening creatures such as the [[Balrogs|Balrog]] are the centerpiece of Moria forces.<ref name="Khazddum"/> Goblins are weak but inexpensive to field, making them numerous in games, and can be strengthened by Goblin Drums and Goblin Shamans. Moria allies with Isengard in the books and Games Workshop have also added Angmar, Dol Guldur, and Barad-dûr, and the Nazgûl to their allies list.<ref name="LOME"/>

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*'''[[Isengard]]''' (Evil) - The Army of the [[White Hand]] is a reliable and varied force to collect, featuring a number of unique warrior and siege options, such as [[crossbows]] (the most powerful bows in the game), [[pikes]] and a primitive form of explosive. Typical Isengard armies feature the Uruk-hai pikeblock, though they are often supported by light infantry such as Uruk-hai scouts, medium cavalry in the form of [[Warg]]s, or spellcasters in the form of Uruk Shamans or even [[Saruman]] himself. Games Workshop has also been criticised for ''The Two Towers Supplement'' allowing Isengard the option of a [[White Mountains]] Troll.<ref name="isentroll">{{cite web | title = Isengard Troll -- A Debate, not an Argument | date = 2006-06-01 | url = http://www.angelfire.com/rings/firstwarofthering/isentroll.html | accessdate = 2007-06-16 }}</ref> Isengard only ever allies with [[Moria (Middle-earth)|Moria]], the [[Nazgûl]] and [[Dunland]], which rarely fights on its own and is almost always classed under Isengard anyway.<ref>{{cite web | title = Vassals of the Witchking | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/isengard | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref> Players can also choose to represent Saruman's army after the fall of Isengard, complete with Rogues: the upcoming [[Bill Ferny]] miniature adds some depth to such a force.

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*'''[[Mordor]]''' (Evil) - Legions of the Eye are made up of various warrior types. Their core unit is the Orc warrior on foot, bolstered by [[Morannon]] Orcs and Mordor Uruk-hai. They also offer Siege [[Catapults]] and ballistae with [[mantlet]]s, led by [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]; these siege engines are often operated by [[Olog-hai]], which can also be used as [[shock troops]]. Mordor armies can field a variety of troops to diversify their armies, including [[Black Númenóreans|Morgul Knights and Black Numénórean Warriors]], [[Orcs|Orc Trackers]],which provide a rare form of accurate archery, [[Minas Morgul|Morgul Stalkers]], Warg Riders and even [[Shelob]]. However, the most dreaded element of Mordor armies is the Ringwraith on Fell-Beast, which, as a flying creature, can move around the board unimpeded and strike with dark magic. Mordor can be allied with any Evil army except Angmar or Isengard. [[Sauron]] is only ever fielded in person in campaigns set around the Last Alliance (or in Dol Guldur armies).<ref>{{cite web | title = Mordor | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/mordor/ | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>

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**'''[[Nazgûl|The Nazgûl]]''' (Evil) - Although primarily Mordor-themed, the Nine were sent all over Middle-earth, and have been classified as a separate army list accordingly. The Nazgûl consist of [[the Witch-king of Angmar]], [[Khamûl|Khamûl the Easterling]] and seven unnamed Ringwraiths, although Games Workshop has created "named" profiles for each of them. These profiles aren't actual names, but titles: The Tainted, the Undying, the Shadow Lord,the Dark Marshal, the Betrayer, the Knight of Umbar and the Dwimmerlaik.

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*'''[[Dol Guldur]]''' (Evil) - Dol Guldur armies form [[Sauron]]'s troops from the time that he was hiding in Southern [[Mirkwood]], and went under the name of the "Necromancer". There are two general themes by which players usually construct their armies. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is based around the fortress garrison of Dol Guldur, containing Sauron himself as the Necromancer, backed up by [[Castellan]]s of Dol Guldur, and usually Orcs and the occasional Troll. The other way is actually more of a general evil army of Mirkwood, containing [[tarantula|Giant Spiders]] led by the "Spider Queen". Both armies can include swarms of Giant [[Bats]], and can be allied. Other themes include Spiders allied with wild [[Warg]]s to form an army of wild creatures, or allied with Moria to represent a force from the Mountains of Mirkwood. Their biggest enemy are the Elves - the [[Silvan Elves|Taurdirim]] and the [[Galadriel|Galadhrim]].<ref name="WhiteCouncil"/>

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*'''[[Harad]]''' (Evil) - The lands to the south are only briefly mentioned by Tolkien, and much of its forces and place-names have been invented by Games Workshop or Weta. Harad offers warriors and light cavalry that are inexpensive to field, and have poison arrows increasing their effectiveness against armoured warriors. Their most devastating miniature, however, is the [[Mûmak]]: at one point the largest plastic Games Workshop miniature ever (it has since been surpassed in size), which in the game can trample enemy foot soldiers. Their invented heroes include [[Suladan]] and the hasharin. Players wanting to add variety can add the Mahûd of Far Harad, which include cavalry on camels, warriors with blowpipes and even Halftrolls.Also they provide strong attacks to punture sections in the enimes lines.<ref>{{cite web | title = Harad | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/harad | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>

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*'''[[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] ''' (Evil) - Another alternative to the usual Harad army is that of [[Umbar]], which can use Harad Warriors but also involves [[Corsairs of Umbar|corsairs]]. Until recently Corsairs were unavailable, and only existed as player-made conversions. However, with the release of the Harad sourcebook, Games Workshop released some new Corsair miniatures; including metal [[Arbalest]]ers and a new character: Dalamyr, Fleetmaster of Umbar. Based on ''Legions of Middle Earth'', a Corsair War Machine will be released in the future along with "Corsair Reavers", most likely to be elite Warriors.

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*'''[[Easterlings]]''' (Evil) - In previous forms of the rules, the Easterlings were pitifully weak, offering only three warrior types cast in metal, and not even appearing until the third edition of the rules. However, their range has been increased enormously with the release of ''A Shadow in the East''. Games Workshop's Easterlings represent the [[Balchoth]], and have been based on a combination of imagery from the New Line films and history of the Sassanid Empire. They offer the unique [[Phalanx formation|phalanx]] (the first army to have pikes since Isengard), and are the only Evil army to feature [[heavy cavalry]], referred to as "kataphracts". Despite these licences, they fit in very much with Tolkien's works and those of New Line. They frequently ally with Khand or Mordor.<ref>{{cite web | title = Vassals of the Witchking | work = Article | publisher = Games Workshop | date = | url = http://uk.games-workshop.com/rhunandkhand/ | accessdate = 2007-07-17 }}</ref>

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*'''Khand]]''' (Evil) - Tolkien wrote even less about Khand than he did about Harad, though we know that they had [[chariots]] and [[axes]]. Games Workshop has based their [[Variags of Khand]] on the Mongols and the Japanese, featuring [[sashimono]]s and the unique chariots. There is some disagreement as to whether this was the right thing to do. It is believed that Tolkien intended the Variags to be much like the [[Varangians]] (hence the axes), and that the [[Wainriders]] (another tribe of Khandish men) were logically intended to have chariots (a progression of the [[wain]]s they had). The fact that Variags can be fielded as [[mercenaries]] hints to this. It was suggested that the Gondorians were unaware of the lands further east, and thus the names of the Variags and Wainriders had been mixed-up.<ref>{{cite web | title = A discussion from the Games Workshop forum | date = | url = http://www.angelfire.com/rings/firstwarofthering/TheRealVariags.html | accessdate = 2007-06-16 }}</ref> Khand allies with the Easterlings frequently.

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*'''Monsters of Middle-earth''' (Evil) - This applies to individual models that do not fit into other armies; in this case, the five creatures that each "represents a fantasy archetype - stone giant, dragon, cave drake and fire demon (the Balrog)."<ref name="WD326"/> The fifth was a purely Games Workshop creation: "Gûlavhar, the Terror of Arnor" - a "vampire" demon of Morgoth, but lesser than a [[Balrogs|Balrog]].<ref name="WD326"/> The Monsters of Middle-earth can ally with most evil forces.<ref name="LOME"/>

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===Additional Characters===

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Games Workshop has taken the liberty to fill in gaps in Tolkien's works by creating new heroes and units alike. Some are heavily criticized, such as the Isengard Troll,<ref name="isentroll"/> having been described as "not thematically correct";<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Cheeseweb Monthly | volume = 5 | pages = 49 | title = Cheeseweb Newsletter | work = E-zine | publisher = Cheesweb | url = http://www.freewebs.com/cwmonthly/cwmonthly5b.pdf |format=PDF| accessdate = 2007-07-10 }}</ref> whilst others have been popular additions.

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*'''Cirion''' - Named after the steward of Gondor that gave Rohan to Eorl the Young, Game Workshop's interpretation of Cirion is the lieutenant of Amon Barad.

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*'''Mardin''' - A Dwarf character. He is a member of the vault warden tunnel fighting teams, and is Durin's personal bodyguard.

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*'''Múrin and Drár''' - A duo of wandering Dwarves.

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*'''Durbûrz''' - Also known as the Goblin King of Moria, Durbûrz is clearly an interpretation of a descendant of the [[Great Goblin]].

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*'''Buhrdûr''' - A Hill Troll Chieftain. Buhrdûr is the leader of the Trolls that were part of ''[[Ruin of Arnor|The Ruin of Arnor]]''. In [[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king|The Rise of the Witch-king]], by EA games, a similar character, Rogash, appears. This may or may not be an interpretation of the same character.

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*'''Vraskû''' - Vraskû is an Uruk-hai scout captain, armed with a prototype crossbow. He is overpowered, especially when compared to [[Lurtz]].

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*'''Keiseimu, Ravager of Ithilien''' - A Khandish hero. So far, all that is known about him is his name and the fact that he can be given a chariot to ride to battle.

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*'''[[Serpent Lord|Suladân, the Serpent Lord]]''' - A Haradrim chief analogous to one whom Théoden faces at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. Tolkien left him unnamed; his name and title are invented by Games Workshop although his name is likely an altered form of Saladin; the musli leader during the Third Crusade.

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*'''Hâsharin''' - An order of Haradrim [[assassin]]s.

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*'''Dalamyr, Fleetmaster of Umbar''' - fleet master of the Corsairs of Umbar.

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*'''Gûlavhar, the Terror of Arnor''' - A vampire demon of [[Morgoth]], similar to a balrog. It is listed under ''Monsters of Middle-Earth'' and unique so far.

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*'''Druzhag,the Beastlord''' - A goblin shaman with powers over the animals that dwell in Moria and beyond.

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*'''The Shadow Lord''' - The former ruler of a small and insignificant Kingdom, the Shadow Lord is one of the Nazgûl

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*'''The Dark Marshal''' - A former Númenórean king, now one of the Nine.

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*'''The Undying''' - This Ringwraith is said to be the oldest of the Nazgûl, and the one that resisted Sauron's will the longest.

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*'''The Tainted''' - A Ringwraith that -unlike the others- willingly offered his services to Sauron.

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*'''The Betrayer''' - A Nazgul who was cursed long ago for yielding the Southlands to Sauron's rule, the Betrayer is driven by malice and self-hatred that knows no bounds. Of all the Nazgûl, the Betrayer is amongst the lowest of Sauron's lieutenants, for even the Dark Lord is leery of placing faith in one who betrayed his kin so readily.

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*'''The Knight of Umbar''' - Like all of the Nazgûl, the Knight of Umbar's past is shrouded in mystery. If the rumours pertaining to him hold any truth, he was once one of the great Númenórean kings who ruled the Southlands prior to the days of the Last Alliance.

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*'''Kârdush the Firecaller''' - An Orc Shaman from Barad-dur believedto have been schooled in advanced schools of magic by one of the Nazgul.

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*'''Amdur, Lord of Blades''' - The Lord of Blades leads the Easterling Dragon Knights, and is the most skilled of that corrupt order. Amdûr has already carved a fearsome reputation in the lands beyond Mordor, and now has come to test his brutal skills on the blood-soaked Pelennor.

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*'''The Golden King of Harad'''

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*'''Abrakhân Guard'''

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==Online Community==

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[[Image:TengwarBeaconFirstCover.PNG|thumb|Cover of ''The Tengwar Beacon'', a hobby magazine produced by the online community]]

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Prior to the closure of Games Workshop's official forum in November 2006, the site had 3000 forum posts per day and well over 300,000 registered users.<ref>{{cite journal | journal = The Tengwar Beacon | volume = 2 | pages = 5 | title = Online Community | work = E-zine | publisher = Cheesweb | url = http://www.freewebs.com/tengwarbeacon/TengwarBeacon2.pdf |format=PDF| accessdate = 2008-11-23 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Online Community | work = The Tengwar Beacon | publisher = Archives | url = http://www.freewebs.com/tbarchive1/OnlineCommunity2.pdf |format=PDF| accessdate = 2008-11-23 }}</ref> Since then, the Online Community has moved onto a large number of unofficial websites and forums for Lord of the Rings players, many of which were already in existence before the closure of Games Workshop's forums: these include "''[http://www.thelastalliance.com/ The Last Alliance]''", with over 6400 registered members (Rebuilt in 2009 due to the host deleting their server for financial reasons), "''[http://www.one-ring.co.uk/ The One-Ring]''", with over 4300, and "''[http://www.thepalantir.org The Palantir]''", with over 2400 members. Collectively, the members of these websites have produced high quality articles for the public, namely on The One-Ring, whose acceptance standards are very high,<ref name="Articles">Article Submission Guidelines:<br>

*[http://www.thelastalliance.com/index.php?pid=guidelines The Last Alliance.com Guidelines]</ref> in greater quantity than on the official site, and White Dwarf has commented on the community as having a "huge wealth of material".<ref name="TLA WD">''UK [[White Dwarf (magazine)|White Dwarf]] 300, UK [[White Dwarf (magazine)|White Dwarf]] 282''</ref> Many smaller multi-topic forums, primarily intended for The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game, also exist.<ref name="Fansites">[http://www.freewebs.com/arathekingssite/fansites.htm List of Fansites for The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game]</ref>

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On 1 June 2005, Games Workshop launched their annual UK-based [[Games Workshop#Worldwide campaigns|Worldwide Campaign]] under the name "[[The War of the Ring Online Campaign]]", featuring The Lord of the Rings for the first time. The Campaign was deemed "a fantastic rollercoaster", with 3007 registered participants.<ref name="War of the Ring">Alessio Cavatore, "Victory for the Free Peoples". ''UK [[White Dwarf (magazine)|White Dwarf]] 312'', p 98-99</ref> Games Workshop also introduced the "Wrath of [[Umbar]] Roadshow", with custom-built [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsair]] models and gaming boards being brought to various cities in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web | title = The Wrath of Umbar | publisher = Games Workshop | url = http://thewarofthering.uk.games-workshop.com/events/umbar/1/ | accessdate = 2007-07-03 }}</ref> When the Campaign formally ended on 8 September, Good emerged the victor.<ref name="War of the Ring"/> The combined total of the 14 weeks was 27239 recorded wargames.<ref name="War of the Ring"/> The Forum closed shortly after, giving way to a smaller Canada-based Campaign with the same name.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://thewarofthering.ca.games-workshop.com/warnews/ | title = War of the Ring Canada | accessdate = 2007-07-03}}</ref>

Another notable side of the community is the influence of its reaction to the company's products: many [[Tolkienists|Tolkien purists]], for example, reacted against the company's rendition of the Swan Knights of [[Dol Amroth]], with some choosing to convert their own,<ref>{{cite web | last = Revolutionary | title = Alternative Knights of Dol Amroth | work = Article | publisher = The Palantir | date = | url = http://www.thepalantir.org/ca/miniature/rev003/rev003.html | accessdate = 2007-05-14 }}</ref><!--Deadlink: <ref>{{cite web | last = Clarkmonster | title = Dol Amroth Army | work = Forum WIP | publisher = The One Ring | date = 2007-01-11 | url = http://www.one-ring.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9163 | accessdate = 2007-05-14 }}</ref>--> impacting the hobby and the sales of the products.<ref>[http://www.gamingreport.com/article.php?thold=-1&mode=flat&order=0&sid=16662 2005 Report]</ref> When Games Workshop subsequently showed the planned release of the [[Man-at-arms|Men-at-Arms]] of Dol Amroth, it was suggested that they had taken the response of the community into account.<ref>{{cite web | last = | title = Discussion of Men-at-Arms of Dol Amroth | work = Forums | publisher = The Last Alliance | date = 2007-05-11 | url = http://www.thelastalliance.com/index.php?pid=view_replies&thread_id=52825&forum_id=59 | accessdate = 2007-05-14 }}</ref><!--Deadlink: <ref>{{cite web | last = NumenoreanLord | title = Discussion of Men-at-Arms of Dol Amroth | work = Forums | publisher = The One Ring | date = 2007-05-12 | url = http://www.one-ring.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=104285#104285 | accessdate = 2007-05-14 }}</ref>-->

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Games Workshop has not acquired the rights to ''[[The Silmarillion]]'', which is still the exclusive property of the [[Tolkien Estate]], but has the right to develop its own derivative intellectual property to fill in the gaps in Tolkien's [[legendarium]]. This is particularly true of [[Harad]], which has a range of invented places (such as "Kârna", "Badharkân", "Hidâr", "Nâfarat", "Abrakân", and "Dhâran-sar"<ref name="BOPF">{{GW|BP}}</ref>) and characters (such as the Hasharin<ref name="BOPF"/> and "Dalamyr, Fleetmaster of Umbar"<ref name="LOME">{{GW|Legions}}</ref>).

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In September 2007, the game was also referenced in an edition of "''Larry Leadhead''", a webcomic which deals with miniature wargaming culture.<ref>{{cite web | title = News Item: LotR makes it onto Larry Leadhead | publisher = The Last Alliance | work = News Item | url = http://www.thelastalliance.com/index.php?pid=view_replies&thread_id=55452&forum_id=1 | accessdate = 2007-11-07 }}</ref>

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==Products==

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===Books and magazines===

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<small>''See also [[White Dwarf]]''</small>

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*[[2001]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game: The Fellowship of the Ring|The Fellowship of the Ring]]'' (rulebook)

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*[[2002]]: ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring: The Best of White Dwarf Magazine]]''

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*[[2003]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game: The Two Towers|The Two Towers]]'' (rulebook)

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*[[2003]]: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game: The Return of the King|The Return of the King]]'' (rulebook)

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*[[2003]]: ''[[Shadow and Flame|Shadow & Flame]]''

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*[[2003]]: ''[[The Two Towers: The Best of White Dwarf Magazine]]''

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*[[2004]]: ''[[The Return of the King: The Best of White Dwarf Magazine]]''

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*[[2004]]: ''[[Siege of Gondor (book)|Siege of Gondor]]''

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*[[2004]]: ''[[The Battle of Pelennor Fields]]''

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*[[2004]]: ''[[The Scouring of the Shire (book)|The Scouring of the Shire]]''

Contents

In the 1980s, Games Workshop produced a range of miniatures for The Lord of the Rings, using original character designs based on fantasy art popular of the time.[1] This was the first range of Lord of the Rings miniatures that Citadel created, taking over from Grenadier Miniatures in 1985, before the license passed to Mithril Miniatures around 1987. The earliest releases were semi-solid base, having a small solid base; later releases were slot based.

In addition to gaming, The Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game includes other common elements of the miniature wargaming hobby. These include the collecting, painting and conversion of miniature figures used in play, as well as the modelling of gaming terrain from scratch. These aspects of the hobby are covered in Games Workshop's monthly White Dwarf, as well as formerly in the fortnightly Battle Games in Middle-earth.

Games Workshop has not acquired the rights to The Silmarillion, which is still the exclusive property of the Tolkien Estate, but has the right to develop its own derivative intellectual property to fill in the gaps in Tolkien's legendarium. This is particularly true of Harad, which has a range of invented places (such as "Kârna", "Badharkân", "Hidâr", "Nâfarat", "Abrakân", and "Dhâran-sar"[3]) and characters (such as the Hasharin[3] and "Dalamyr, Fleetmaster of Umbar"[4]).